A QUICK GUIDE TO PLAYTESTING: UNMODERATED VS MODERATED
Curious about the differences between Unmoderated and Moderated playtesting? Unsure of which you’d like to participate in? We’ve got you covered with the quick guide below to learn about the process and requirements of each.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNMODERATED AND MODERATED PLAYTESTING
UNMODERATED PLAYTESTING
Unmoderated playtesting gives players the freedom to explore a game entirely on their own without any outside guidance or rule explanations. Instead of a host walking them through the mechanics, participants dive straight into the experience on their own terms. This independent approach allows developers to observe how players naturally interact with and enjoy the game in a real-world setting.
MODERATED PLAYTESTING
Moderated playtesting is a hands-on process where a host explains rules, guides players, and monitors progress, much like a hosted game night. The primary goal of this structured setup is to gather detailed, actionable feedback as participants play. These sessions can take place in person at a designated lab or studio, or remotely from home.
WHY IT'S USED
FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY
By playing uninterrupted at their own pace and in their own way, players reveal how intuitive and enjoyable the game is when left to their own devices. This independent exploration gives developers a genuine glimpse into real-world behavior, offering a clear sneak peek at how people naturally interact with the game.
OBSERVABLE, INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
During a moderated session, a facilitator introduces the game, guides players through tasks, asks questions, and observes reactions in real time. This structured observation yields immediate, rich feedback on how users interact with the title. Consequently, developers can see firsthand what works, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and quickly identify needed adjustments.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
UNMODERATED PLAYTESTING
- Access to a Computer: A computer that meets the technical requirements for the game you’ll be testing.
- Stable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection to download the game and to submit feedback forms.
- Private Testing Area: A secluded room in your home, dorm, office, etc., to ensure NDA compliance. Check out our NDA’s 101 guide to learn more.
- Time and Availability: Sufficient time to play the game and complete the feedback process as required by the playtesting schedule.
MODERATED PLAYTESTING
In Person Playtesting
- Transportation to Location: The ability to travel to the testing location, which will be at either the Pixel Mechanics Headquarters or a Pixel Mechanics university-partnered lab.
- Personal Identification: A form of identification will be needed for check-in and security purposes at any Pixel Mechanics location. Please provide a Government Issued ID or Passport.
- Time and Availability: Availability to attend the playtesting session for its full duration, as scheduled by the facilitators.
MODERATED PLAYTESTING
Remote Playtesting
- Access to a Computer: A computer that meets the technical requirements for the game you’ll be testing.
- Stable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection to download the game and to submit feedback forms.
- Private Testing Area: A secluded room in your home, dorm, office, etc., to ensure NDA compliance. Check out our NDA’s 101 guide to learn more.
- Time and Availability: Availability to attend the playtesting session for its full duration, as scheduled by the facilitators.
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